Self-help guide when feeling unwell

For a lot of common illnesses and ailments there is no specific cure and they will be relieved with time and simple remedies available without prescription. Therefore, please do not expect your doctor to prescribe a drug for every problem. Discussion and advice may be far more useful and free from side effects. Below we offer some practical advice on how to approach your ill health.

We feel it is important that all households should keep a reasonably stocked supply of over the counter medicines at home to deal with minor ailments. Remember all medicines should be stored in a box or cupboard with a lock and kept well out of the reach of children. Always check the expiry date on medicines and do not keep them for future use, as they lose their effect or become dangerous.

Please see our advice below on the most appropriate places to seek medical treatment when you feel ill.

Can you treat yourself at home?

A well stocked medicine cabinet can treat many day to day illnesses. Small doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen for example can treat many common illnesses such as colds, sore throats and coughs.

Have you spoken with your pharmacist?

Pharmacists are qualified to dispense not only medicines, but also advice on a range of common complaints such as sore throats, aches & pains, colds and the flu.

They can also answer questions on medications and help you with advice on issues such as healthy eating & quitting smoking. Your pharmacist will be well placed to advise if you should see a GP with your complaint.

Expert patients programme

Helping you to live well. A free self-management course for adults living with a long-term health condition. Please click on the link below.

Have you tried NHS 111?

NHS 111 is a 24 hour a day health information and advice service staffed by professional health advisers and nurses. They offer free, confidential advice on what to do if you are ill, and provide information on a range of conditions & services, and can put you in contact with your local health, self-help & support organisations and refer you to your out-of-hours doctors service when your surgery is closed.

Have you tried a walk-in clinic?

If you need to see a GP over a weekend, a walk-in clinic is available in the city. The Brighton Station Health Centre on Queen's Road is open from 8am to 8pm every day.

Aspect House 84-87 Queens Road Brighton BN1 3XE

Do you need to see your GP or other health professional?

Trinity Medical Centre offers a range of services as detailed in our clinics & services section. These include general medical advice and treatment, prescriptions, referral services and a range of tests & immunisations.

Remember to tell your doctor if you have tried or are still taking any self care remedies.

Do you need to seek emergency hospital treatment?

In cases of accidents or illness where there is an immediate risk to life you should go to the nearest A&E department at Royal Sussex County Hospital or call 999 for an ambulance.

Follow this route in critical emergencies where there has been major blood loss, severe chest pain or loss of consciousness.